Radioactive materials are among the many kinds of hazardous
substances emergency responders might have to deal with in a transportation accident.
Because strict packaging requirements are used in the shipment of radioactive materials,
accidental spills or releases of these substances seldom occur. Very few emergency
responders have ever had to deal with transportation accidents involving radioactive
materials, and these accidents will continue to be rare occurrences. Nevertheless, it is
prudent for you, as an emergency responder, to know your role in responding to such an
accident should one occur in your community.

Like most emergency first responders, you might have
questions about these accidents and your involvement in them. This information was written
to answer questions most frequently asked by firefighters, law enforcement officers, and
medical emergency medical services personnel. It is not intended to substitute for the U.S.
Department of Transportation (DOT) Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
for hazardous materials incidents. Remember that some radioactive materials can also be
chemically hazardous. Use the ERG and the appropriate guide during any transportation
accident involving hazardous material.